e was named Topaz; he was
handsome and well-made, as fair as a Circassian beauty, as gentle and
obliging as an Armenian, and as wise as a Parsee. The other was called
Ebony; a good-looking Negro, more active and more industrious than
Topaz, and one who never made objections. To them he spoke about his
journey. Topaz tried to dissuade him with the cautious zeal of a
servant who is anxious not to offend, and reminded him of all the
risks. How could he leave two families in despair, and cut his parents
to the heart? He shook Rustem's purpose; but Ebony once more confirmed
it, and removed his scruples.

The young man had not money enough for so long a journey. Wise Topaz
would have refused to get it for him. Ebony provided it. He quietly
stole his master's diamond, and had a false one made exactly like it,
which he put in its place, pledging the real one to an Armenian for
many thousands of rupees.

As soon as Rustem had the rupees he was ready to start An elephant was
loaded with his baggage, and they set out on horseback.

"I took the liberty," said Topaz to his master, "of remonstrating
against your enterprise; but after speaking it was my duty to obey. I
am your slave. I love you, and will follow you to the end of the
world. But let us consult the oracle which is on our way."

Rustem agreed. The answer of the oracle was this: "If you turn to the
east you will turn to the west." Rustem could not understand this.
Topaz maintained that it boded no good; Ebony, always accommodating,
persuaded him that it was very favourable.

There was yet another oracle in Cabul, which they consulted also. The
Cabul oracle replied as follows: "If you possess you will not possess;
if you get the best of it, you will get the worst; if you are Rustem
you will not be Rustem." This saying seemed still more incomprehensible
than the other.

"Beware," said Topaz.

"Fear nothing," said Ebony. And he, as may be supposed, seemed to his
master to be always in the right, since he encouraged his passion and
his hopes.

On leaving Cabul they marched through a great forest. Here they sat
down on the grass to eat, while the horses were turned loose to feed.
They were about to unload the elephant, which carried the dinner and
the service, when it was discovered that Topaz and Ebony were no
longer with the party. They called them loudly: the forest echoed with
the names of Topaz and Ebony; the men sought them in every direction
and filled the woo